Paratransit user, Dennis Demerais. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Transit Assitance

Government announces funding for Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities program

Jul 23, 2021 | 1:00 PM

A number of municipalities who offer paratransit services in the province will receive funding through the Transit Assistance For People with Disabilities Program (TAPD) in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Government Relations Minister Don McMorris announced over $3.7 million will go to 14 cities and 55 towns for operating assistance grants, such as transportation costs and vehicle maintenance, and capital assistance grants used for the purchase of replacement vehicles.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Saskatchewan,” McMorris said. “Our government is proud of this investment to support municipalities in providing services to people with disabilities and reducing barriers to employment.”

Paratransit is critical for people with disabilities as passengers use the service to travel to school, work, medical appointments and other daily activities.”

Funding for the operational grants is based on population and the number of paratransit trips provided by the municipality in the previous calendar year. Funding for capital assistance grants cover 75 per cent of the cost of a vehicle to a maximum of $55,000 per vehicle. The municipality covers the rest of the cost.

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Prince Albert will receive $157,914 in operating grant money and $55,000 for capital grants.

North Battleford will receive $41,851 in operating grants and $55,000 in capital grants as well.

Other communities receiving operating grants including Melfort ($30,301), Meadow Lake ($23,364), Humboldt ($5,669), Lloydminster ($8,866), La Ronge ($3,124), Nipawin ($3,432), and Tisdale ($689).

Accessible and safe transportation is identified as one of six priority areas in the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

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